I've been self-employed for quite a long time. Last year, when I returned from maternity, I consulted with a big organisation for two weeks for a major event. The two main contacts there seemed to really like me, and we'd planned to work together on the next event this year; and in two years.
One of the contacts has now left, and they are recruiting for her job. Their HR is outsourced; and I talked about the role with a nice man but he was clear that it's a hybrid role and they expected a decent amount of time per week in the office, which is a fair distance from me. I excused myself from the process; as I couldn't easily make the interview anyway. They then asked me to attend a second interview; which has a task, but I couldn't make the interview yesterday. The other contact sent me a message asking if I had any queries or hesitations; as we've got each others' numbers from the first event.
Today they have asked if I will attend an online interview tomorrow evening, as a "third chance", offered because they have already worked with me.
I'm torn; not least because it wouldn't be worth it for me if I needed to be in the office more than once per week; not least because I'm so far away. Ideally, I'd do it remotely, unless I was needed at meetings etc; or during events. I'd find the long commute really tough; and it'd mean I didn't see my child on any day I was in the office - I'd have to leave before he woke, and I'd get back after bedtime. If I was here, I'd see him before/after nursery.
Do I message the contact and ask if there would be flexibility?
Ideally I'd like to stay self-employed, but I do love the role, and some stability might be nice... I had been looking for a part-time, remote role in my industry but they are few and far between, and I have come a "close second" in two recently 🥴 But I do love the flexibility of being self-employed, and I'm always a bit rattled in the quieter months, but it has always worked out so far.
All thoughts are welcomed!